MEDIA Jets sign ex-Viking Hatchette

Pioneer Press
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SEAN JENSEN STAFF WRITER
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Receiver Matthew Hatchette signed a two-year deal Monday with the New
York Jets, ending his four-year career with the Vikings.
During a teleconference, Hatchette declined to disclose contract
terms, but the deal is believed to be laden with incentives.
It is believed Hatchette was the team's second choice, after former
Dallas Cowboys receiver James McKnight. McKnight signed a five-year,
$9 million deal Friday with the Miami Dolphins.
Hatchette, a seventh-round pick in the 1997 NFL draft, was the
Vikings' third receiver last season. He caught 16 passes for 190 yards
and two touchdowns. But the team was disappointed by his production,
and he often was replaced by veteran Chris Walsh, who finished with 18
catches for 191 yards.
``Nothing can match the education I got in Minnesota, playing with two
great wide receivers,'' Hatchette said, referring to Randy Moss and
Cris Carter. ``But it's a point in my career where I needed to break
out of their shadows and establish myself as something more than a No.
3 receiver. This is a great opportunity.''
Hatchette will get every opportunity to start alongside Wayne Chrebet.
At 6 feet 2, Hatchette could complement Chrebet, who is 5-10.
Linemen visit: Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chester
McGlockton and former Baltimore Ravens defensive end Keith Washington
visited the Vikings.
Although the Vikings have little room under the salary cap, they might
consider addition by subtraction if they can get players they want at
the right price, which is as close to the veterans' minimum of
$477,000 as possible.
Steussie visit: Todd Steussie, the Vikings' most recent cap casualty,
had a good visit with the Cincinnati Bengals and was expected to be in
Denver on Monday night.
Steussie arrived in Cincinnati on Sunday, and he had a short news
conference Monday.
Seven teams are believed to be interested in Steussie, including the
Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.
Because he entered the free-agent market so late and few teams have
much money left, Steussie is considering a one-year deal with a
contender. A more lucrative and long-term deal could be available next
offseason, when the expansion Houston Texans will be added to the
fold.
Bengals are expected to talk with Steussie's agent, David Dunn, today
at Florida State, where college players will work out.
Briefly: A report in the Denver Post quoting a Baltimore Ravens source
said the Vikings will play the second ``Monday Night Football'' game
of the season against the defending Super Bowl champions. The game
will be in Baltimore. . . . Former Vikings receiver Jake Reed is
talking to the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. The Vikings
would like Reed back but are willing to pay him only something close
to the league mini